Definition
The National Water Company (NWC) is Saudi Arabia’s state-owned water utility. In 2026, it remains responsible for urban water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and customer service across the Kingdom’s cities and regions.
Overview
Established in 2008, NWC was created as part of the Saudi government’s strategy to corporatize and professionalize the management of water services. Saudi Arabia is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, relying heavily on desalination for potable water supply. NWC manages the “last mile” distribution of water from desalination plants and groundwater sources to homes, businesses, and institutions.
NWC operates water distribution networks across Saudi Arabia’s major cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, and Dammam. The company also manages wastewater collection and treatment infrastructure, with treated wastewater increasingly reused for agricultural and industrial purposes. NWC serves millions of customer connections and processes billions of cubic metres of water annually.
The company has undergone significant operational improvements, including network rehabilitation to reduce water losses (which historically exceeded 30 percent in some areas), digital metering and billing systems, customer service modernization, and tariff reform. NWC has also engaged international water management companies through management contracts and PPP arrangements to bring operational expertise and investment.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Established | 2008 |
| Owner | Saudi government |
| Coverage | Major Saudi cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah, Dammam) |
| Services | Water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment |
| Key Challenge | Water scarcity (reliance on desalination) |
| Network Rehabilitation | Reducing losses from 30%+ |
| PPP Engagement | International management contracts |
Role in Vision 2030
NWC is central to Vision 2030’s infrastructure and sustainability objectives. Reliable water supply is a prerequisite for the Kingdom’s population growth, urban expansion, and industrial development ambitions. The company’s modernization — including network efficiency, digital metering, and service quality improvements — supports the Quality of Life pillar by ensuring Saudi residents have access to safe, reliable water services.
NWC is also a key candidate for the Privatization Program, with the potential for partial or full privatization to attract investment, improve efficiency, and generate proceeds for the government. Water sector reform exemplifies the broader Vision 2030 strategy of transitioning public services from government-operated monopolies to commercially managed, privately financed utilities.